TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Special Olympics has dropped a coronavirus vaccine mandate for its games in Orlando after Florida moved to fine the organization $27.5 million for violating a state law against such requirements.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday announced the organization had removed the requirement for its competition in the state, which is scheduled to run June 5 to June 12.
100 Special Olympics Indiana athletes, Unified partners and coaches, collectively known as Team Indiana, left for Orlando Saturday.
The USA Games will feature competition in 19 Olympic-type sports, with Team Indiana fielding teams for basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, softball, swimming, track and field, and volleyball and youth leadership.
The Florida health department notified the Special Olympics of the fine in a letter Thursday that said the organization would be fined $27.5 million for 5,500 violations of state law for requiring proof of coronavirus vaccination for attendees or participants.
-
Tony Stewart makes it to birth of baby boy after qualifying for NHRA finals
Tony Stewart had a busy weekend qualifying for the NRHA finals and welcoming a new baby boy on Saturday before returning to Pomona for race day Sunday.
Spirit Airlines filing for bankruptcy as it faces looming debt payments
Spirit announced on Monday that it would file for bankruptcy. Customers can still book flights during this time, the company said.
5 people, including firefighter, injured in apartment fire in Connersville
Five people, including a firefighter, were injured in an apartment fire in Connersville early Sunday morning.
W.A.Y.S. uses theme of empathy to encourage youth to engage in community service
W.A.Y.S., an organization with a focus on youth mental health, hosted a fundraiser on Sunday to promote their theme of empathy. Over past few weeks, kids volunteered at several local organizations.
